Australian scientists have developed a smart bandage that can automatically release antibiotics with a reminder function

The smart bandage, developed by scientists at two Australian universities, can not only treat injuries, alert patients, but also warn doctors.

The research team, composed mainly of scientists from Monash University and the University of Melbourne, used nanotechnology in their wound bandage device. A new generation of smart bandages can alert patients or doctors when the color of a wound changes, and can also automatically release antibiotics from polymer capsules. Connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth technology, sensors in the bandage can notify doctors when a wound needs treatment.

According to the report, the product, if used, could cut the cost of wound treatment in Australia by $3 billion a year.

Nico Voelcker, one of the researchers in charge of the project, said the technology relies mainly on small sensors that can detect the extent of infection in a wound without the need to remove the bandage. The sensor can detect the temperature and PH level of the wound, which are the main factors causing the color change of the wound. They are also able to automatically release antibiotics.

In addition, the sensors can also alert patients and doctors that bandages are loose, the report said. Scientists from the universities of Melbourne, Monash, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia have tested the technology on a small scale, but more funding is now needed for a large-scale medical trial.